Here are some of the stories we're covering from around the world:

Putin, in Pre-Election Messaging, Is Less Strident on Nuclear War

President Vladimir Putin of Russia took a less strident tone on the possibility of nuclear war in an interview released on Wednesday, an apparent attempt to bolster his domestic image as a guarantor of stability before the Russian presidential election this weekend.

In Germany, Fighting the Far Right Poses a Conundrum for Democracy

Mainstream parties are changing laws to protect government institutions. Critics say the changes risk undermining democracy.

Top French University Faces Yet Another Crisis as Leader Resigns

One of France’s most elite universities found itself without a leader for the second time in just three years on Wednesday after its director, Mathias Vicherat, resigned to face a court case over accusations of domestic violence.

@nytimes